Review of DEADLY TARGET by Elizabeth Goddard

On October 28, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review5 Comments

This non-stop, fast-paced romantic suspense thriller had me on the edge of my seat and advising the characters about what they needed to do next to stay safe. Beginning with an attempted assassination with a boat and moving to gunshot wounds and exploding dams, the action in the book never let up. There are twists galore that kept me reading and guessing until the very satisfying conclusion. The characters of Nathan and Erin were so human, with flaws and doubts just like all of us have. I really enjoyed the heroics of Nathan and the determination of Erin. The character that surprised me was Erin’s mom Celia, a lady with a strong will and a lot of secrets from the past. I enjoyed reading about characters from the first book in the series, but this one can definitely be read as a standalone without creating any confusion at all. With spot on tension and intense drama, the book called to the mystery lover in me and touched all of the right buttons to enthrall me. I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a fast pace and a heart-thumping adventure.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley and a hard copy from the author because I am a member of her review team. I was not required to write apology review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*Intense action and some violence described, but nothing graphic and no expletives or sex* *scenes. This is a clean Christian read appropriate for all readers at this reading level.*

*Author photo from the cover of* “The Big Thrill” http://www.thebigthrill.org

Bio from the author’s website https://elizabethgoddard.com

With over a million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deceptionare finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.

Coming on November 2, 2021, but you can pre-order it now from any of the following retailers:

Many thanks to author Elizabeth Goddard and to Revell Books for this wonderful book to read and review! I sincerely appreciate having been chosen to participate in the ARC reviews for this talented and inspiring author.

Review of A SEASON ON THE WIND by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On October 14, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is a beautifully written story set in the Amish town of Stoney Ridge, a peaceful town filled with people who genuinely care about each other and practice the tenets of the Amish faith daily. When Ben Zook, who used to live in Stoney Ridge and who is a famous birdwatcher, returns to the town, he has one goal in mind. He wants to see the White-winged tern, a bird that is rarely seen in the states. Ben has come to meet with Micah Weaver, a teen boy who has a speech impediment but who knows birds better than anyone around. Ben stays in a guest house provided by Penny Weaver, Micah’s sister and an old friend whom Ben does not recognize, much to her dismay. The stage is well set for a complicated tale of family, friendships won and lost, relationships and choices. I was drawn into the story of these complex and realistic characters from the beginning. Each character is presented realistically, complete with flaws and human foibles, but they are also each seen as uniquely suited for the tasks that they are expected to do. As Ben spends more time with the Weavers, waiting for that Tern to appear, he also goes on a trip of self-reflection and discovery. He has escaped from Stoney Ridge once and does not want to return permanently, but he does have roots there that cannot be denied. The most brilliantly written parts of the book occur at the end of each chapter where we are introduced to various birds that Micah and Penny have seen as they walk around their environs. The habitat of each bird as well as their eating and mating habits are described in a meticulously detailed way that inspired me to curiously seek my guide to birds that includes photos so that I could picture the bird as they were described. Thus, this book was entertaining, educational and encouraging as it sought to gently guide the characters to the place that God would want them to be. I really enjoyed the language used in this novel; it was almost like lyrical prose, calling to my heart as the birds spoke to Micah. There was some inevitable conflict between some of the characters and a little mystery involved with Ben’s cousin Natalie, a young woman who seems to want to know more about the Plain people but won’t reveal her reasons for her curiosity. The relationship between Ben and his estranged father is a focus of Ben’s self-discovery and forgiveness is a definite thread throughout the book. Fans of brilliantly written Christian fiction will thoroughly enjoy this book and it’s message of heart, home, and hope.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: As a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Program, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*A completely clean Christian read suitable for all who love romance and a good story*

*For information about the author and her work, please go to her website at* http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

This lovely story is ready for you to order and enjoy. Purchase Links:

Review of LABYRINTH OF LIES by Irene Hannon

On October 5, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

This second book in the “Triple Threat” series definitely deserves kudos for being captivating, intriguing and intense. Irene Hannon has written a brilliant and insightful page-turner that was as fast-moving as it was complex. This book has a tightly written plot with plenty of suspense. There are numerous characters, all of whom are remarkably realistic. The theme of drugs is definitely relevant and the fact that the author uses code names for the perpetrators up until the climax added to the edginess of the story. I enjoyed the simmering romance between Cate Reilly and her former love interest, Zeke Sloan, and rooted for her to forgive him his past transgressions so that they could move on together. This is an addictive and satisfying addition to the genre of romantic suspense, with the author’s unique style showing in every chapter. Written with clever twists and enticing dialogue, this is one not to miss and can be read as a standalone. My favorite character was Cate’s roommate at the posh Ivy Hill School, a young girl named Kayla who lacked self-confidence but who changed as the book progressed, maturing as her character should have. The book was a fascinating character study of why people choose to do evil and was thought-provoking at times. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a fast-paced and well-crafted mystery, with more than a hint of romance.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: As a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*The action in this book is intense, but it is a clean Christian read suitable for all who enjoy a good romantic suspense novel.*

*For information about the author and her books, please visit her website at* http://www.irenehannon.com

Happy Release Day to Irene Hannon! You can purchase her book today at any of these online retailers or at your favorite bookstore:

Get this book today and get wrapped up in a thrilling romantic suspense!

Review of SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE by Tari Faris

On September 18, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is an enchanting Christian contemporary romance with such a sweet and original story that it was hard to put down. Leah Williams has a problem with trust issues since her father walked out on her. When she returns to the little town of Heritage, Michigan to re-open her grandfather’s store, she needs the help of Jon Kensington, a former basketball star who has a hidden crush on her, but her difficulty trusting him leads to issues between the two. There are also several sub-plots, like Jon taking over his deceased father’s company from an overbearing uncle, Jon’s rebellious sister Abby presenting extra trouble for him and a couple named Colby and Madison who also seem to have sparks flying between them. The entire story was brilliantly written, with believable interactions between the characters and a plot that wove around just enough to keep me absorbed. The addition of a hippo named Otis that moved around the town’s central square and then disappeared completely was a clever touch and one that added humor to the story. With an insightful theme of forgiveness, accepting others and trusting God as well as people, this book is a not-to-be missed conclusion to the Restoring Heritage series. There are three books in the series, and this is the final one. I have read two of them and can say without reservation that they can each be read as a standalone or enjoyed as a series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*Rated PG because there is a character who is pregnant and unmarried. This is a contemporary Christian romance, with emphasis on Christian…it is basically a clean read.*

*Photo and bio from the author’s website at* http://www.tarifaris.com *Check out this site…it’s a lot of fun to read!*

Available NOW. Purchase Links:

I hope that you have enjoyed this review and that you will get this book and read it. It kept me entertained for hours and is like reading a fairy tale as an adult. I love happy endings, don’t you? ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️❤️❤️❤️

Review of THE SECRET KEEPERS OF OLD DEPOT GROCERY by Amanda Cox

On September 13, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is a beautifully written multi-generational story with a theme of finding redemption by letting go of the past and forgiving yourself. Glory Ann is the matriarch of the family, an octogenarian grandmother who wants to finish out her days running the family grocery store in their little town. Her daughter Rosemary, however, is determined to sell the store and ease her mother into the comforts of living out her years resting. Sarah, Rosemary’s daughter, has suffered a tremendous loss in her life and has come home to heal and to work at the family’s grocery store, the last place that she really felt happy and fulfilled. All three women have secrets from each other and all three have to forgive themselves before they can open themselves up to a true family relationship. Told in the present and the past, this book slowly reveals the secrets and the anguish that each woman is secretly holding on to. I especially enjoyed these revelations, anxiously awaiting each secret to be revealed to each other and for the reactions of the others once they were revealed. The characters were so realistic that I almost expected them to jump off the page and speak to me. The plot took what could have been trite and made it into a wonderfully woven story of strong women who have to face the past and find the future together. There are so many layers to this book, with childhood neglect and grandparents who spurn their kin, but the best part was that as a reader, I was reading all of the secrets and urging the characters on to discover the truth and to embrace forgiveness for the past. The lessons that can be learned from reading this lovely tale are manifold, but I think the one that is most memorable for me is that of acceptance and moving forward. I thoroughly enjoyed this book of Christian fiction, with a foundation of faith but not so overwhelming that it took over the entire story. Fans of contemporary women’s fiction will enjoy this novel and ponder the wisdom that it imparts.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*I would rate this book as a PG-13. It is a clean Christian read with some adult themes in it.*

*Photo and BIO from the author’s website at* http://www.amandacoxwrites.com

Purchase Links for this Lovely Story:

Many heartfelt thanks to Revell for giving me the opportunity to read and review this life-changing story!

Review of HOSTILE INTENT by Lynette Eason

On August 2, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is one of the best romantic suspense books that I have ever read! From the very beginning, it was captivating, with a scene from a home that was as mesmerizing as it was devastatingly awful. The story of Ava Jackson meeting up with her childhood crush Caden Denning was fascinating, but the crux of the story was a serial killer who was wiping out entire families, including the young children. The motive behind these evil actions is the center of the story and what kept me reading at a rapid pace to find out. From the first murders until the breathtaking last scenes, this was a non-stop runaway train of a book. The details of the crime scenes are not graphic so they did not disturb me, but just the thought that entire families were wiped out instantly was enough to make me want to do who would do such a thing. The plot is wrapped up in international intrigue and Ava’s secretive father is involved in a great deal of what is happening, so she seems to be a focus of the killer, too. Caden is her self-appointed protector and a real hero just when she needs one. With her father declared dead, her mom dying and a killer on her trail, Ava decides to trust Caden with her life. The characters were realistic and well-rounded, the type of people I would want to meet and be friends with. I was enthralled by the work that the FBI analysts did, especially Daria, who was intuitive as to needs and how to find solutions when there seemed to be none. I enjoyed seeing the FBI portrayed as capable heroes as they should be. I especially enjoyed Ava’s intelligence in figuring out puzzles and clues left behind by her father as well as her grit and determination to seek the truth at all costs. There were definitely some unlikeable characters, but that is by design, because who can like a villain who kills families or anyone involved with him? I just loved this book from cover to cover and think that is is the best of the series although any of them can be read as a standalone. My favorite part of the book? It was a clean read! No expletives, steamy sex or graphic displays of violence. Kudos to the author for writing explosively good romantic suspense that appeals to readers who don’t want any of the distasteful elements in their books.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian romantic suspense. Clean read with some really intense scenes, so I would rate it PG-13.

*Photo from the author from her webpage on Amazon. For her biography and to sign up for her newsletter, go to* http://www.lynetteeason.com

This amazing book will be available on August 3rd! Purchase Links:

Review of THE CHASE by Lisa Harris

On July 3, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

This is a fast-paced, non-stop thrill ride from beginning to end! The second book in the U.S. Marshals series, this book was a compelling read that I absolutely raced through because I just had to know what was going to happen. U.S. Marshals Jonas Quinn and Madison James are dealing with their own demons from the past, each blaming themselves for the harm done to those close to them. Madison is struggling to lay to rest the ghost of her dead husband Luke while still determined to find out who killed him. Jonas has a good friend in Felicia but can’t help feeling guilty about the wound that left her with a prosthetic. Even while facing their pasts, these two are called in on a new case to find the bank robbers who seem to have everything planned out, including an escape plan. I could not have thought of a better title for this book! The Marshals are chasing the fugitives and an elusive peace in their own lives and the fugitives are chasing the thrill of robbing banks. The setting was absolutely “stunning” (to use Jonas’s word) and described in such intricate detail that I could place myself there, on an island or on a hill overlooking Seattle. The characters are realistic, with human weaknesses portrayed alongside of their strengths that make them seem vulnerable, just as all of us are. The overwhelming grief that Jonas and Madison confront was heart-wrenching and so well depicted. There was no love lost between me and the fugitives because I just wanted them captured before they shot someone else. With a plot that raced down the tracks like a runaway train, this book was hands-down one of the best romantic suspense books that I have ever read. It has everything to captivate and enthrall: heroes, villains, family relationships, danger at every turn and a promise of hope. I loved reading it and I’m already wanting more of the story of these two U.S. Marshals! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but I don’t know why anyone would want to miss out on any part of the tale of Jonas and Madison, edgy fiction with a clock ticking and a race against time.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*A completely clean read with some intense action*

*Author’s photo from her website at* http://www.lisaharriswrites.com

Author Bio: (from the author’s website on Amazon-Lisa Harris)

USA Today and CBA bestselling author LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has sold over half a million books. She and her family have spent over sixteen year working as missionaries in Africa where she runs a small non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project promotes Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8)

When she’s not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari.

This amazing book will be available on Tuesday, July 6th! Purchase Links:

Review of ALONG A STORIED TRAIL by Ann H. Gabhart

On June 15, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

This was a story that I hated to see end because it was so wonderful! This historical fiction is set in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression. The main characters are Tansy Calhoun, her family and a crotchety old woman called Aunt Perdie. Tansy has taken a job delivering books to the inhabitants of the mountains and sets forth daily to fulfill her responsibilities. There is plenty of romance within this book’s pages, but what is most memorable to me is the characterization, the way the people just seemed to jump off the page and into my heart. I also enjoyed reading about how the hard-working folks all pitched in together to support each other when needed, like when Aunt Perdie lost her home. But I especially enjoyed the stories that were woven into the fabric of the main story, folk tales told by Aunt Perdie and Preacher Hiram, both of whom knew how to captivate an audience during a time of hardship and take people away from their dally drudgery. I learned a great deal from this book about how people should be treating their neighbors and look out for each other, even in the worst of times. This was a totally enjoyable book and one that I will enjoy sharing with others who want to take a trip to the hills of Kentucky and into a rustic log cabin where life is appreciated and faith is an important part of life.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A *completely clean Christian read from Revell*

*Five plus stars for this charming look at rural Kentucky during the Great Depression*

*Photo and bio from the authors website at* http://www.annhgabhart.com

Available Now at the following retailers or your own favorite bookstore:

Review of A WISH FOR HOME by Jo Ann Brown

On May 20, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This book was a good Amish story with lovable characters and a plot that had some surprises and unexpected twists in it. Lauren Nolt is a former member of the Amish community in Lancaster County where she is sent by her employer to win the people over to the idea of building a casino in their community. When her car breaks down during an ice story, Lauren is stuck asking for assistance from widower Adam Hershberger, a mechanic who used to bully her in their childhood. Lauren stays with her Aunt Sylvia, a feisty older Amish woman who speaks the truth in love to Lauren and who was my favorite character in the book. Her wisdom led Lauren to many hours of thoughtful reflection. When Lauren meets Adam’s precocious daughter Mary Beth, it was life love at first sight. Mary Beth is a cute little matchmaker who wants her dad to have a new wife and for herself to have a new mother. Although parts of the book were predictable, there were numerous secrets revealed and some surprises, too, so it was was a really captivating read. I was totally invested in the story of Lauren and Adam and rooting for little Mary Beth to get her way with them. This is a great first book in a new series and I look forward to more!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Totally clean Christian fiction from Harlequin Love Inspired.

*Photo and biography from author’s website* http://www.joannbrownbooks.com

Purchase Links:

I loved this romantic story and hope that you will buy it and read it for yourselves. Many thanks to Harlequin for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

Review of POWER PLAY by Rachel Dylan

On May 5, 2021 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

With strong characterization and a fast-paced plot, this conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series is a definite must-read. State Department attorney Vivian Steele gets inadvertently caught up in government schemes when she witnesses the deaths of two ambassadors at a state dinner. The Egyptian ambassador’s death appears to be a plot against his government and somehow Viv is targeted afterwards because of her prior dealings with that government. Because she becomes a target, she is assigned security in the form of Jacob Cruz, a former SEAL who is determined that no one else will die on his watch. The American ambassador who died, Penelope King, has an entire backstory that is intriguing and adds to the story. Her death is being investigated by Delaney, an FBI agent extraordinarily well-suited for her position. Delaney is mentoring Weston and the two of them together make a formidable team. This second plot had a lot of twists and turns as Delaney follows the clues and finds the killer. Delaney’s investigation was a cerebral one for the most part. The first plot, involving Viv, had a lot more action in it, with bad guys targeting Vivian and some “bite your nails” moments as she narrowly escapes death herself. There is violence depicted in the book, but it is not graphically described, so the novel is a clean read. I was sorry to see the series end because I have befriended the well-developed characters. I did especially enjoy the epilogue that was like a curtain call for all of the characters from this book and the previous ones. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series because each book is a fascinating look at investigations and the inner workings of our national government. Fiction, of course!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*A clean Christian fiction with some intense scenes. Rated PG.*

*Photo and author info from author’s website at* http://www.racheldylan.com

This book is published by Bethany House and will be released on June 1, 2021. Pre-orders are available now. Purchase Links:

This edge-of-your-seat suspense/thriller will entertain you for hours and give you insight into the “power players” of the U.S.A. I hope that you will buy it today!

Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

Tag: Christian fiction

Review of DEADLY TARGET by Elizabeth Goddard

Bio from the author’s website https://elizabethgoddard.com

Coming on November 2, 2021, but you can pre-order it now from any of the following retailers:

Many thanks to author Elizabeth Goddard and to Revell Books for this wonderful book to read and review! I sincerely appreciate having been chosen to participate in the ARC reviews for this talented and inspiring author.

Review of A SEASON ON THE WIND by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This lovely story is ready for you to order and enjoy. Purchase Links:

Review of LABYRINTH OF LIES by Irene Hannon

Happy Release Day to Irene Hannon! You can purchase her book today at any of these online retailers or at your favorite bookstore:

Get this book today and get wrapped up in a thrilling romantic suspense!

Review of SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE by Tari Faris

Available NOW. Purchase Links:

Review of THE SECRET KEEPERS OF OLD DEPOT GROCERY by Amanda Cox

Purchase Links for this Lovely Story:

Many heartfelt thanks to Revell for giving me the opportunity to read and review this life-changing story!

Review of HOSTILE INTENT by Lynette Eason

This amazing book will be available on August 3rd! Purchase Links:

Review of THE CHASE by Lisa Harris

This amazing book will be available on Tuesday, July 6th! Purchase Links:

Review of ALONG A STORIED TRAIL by Ann H. Gabhart

Available Now at the following retailers or your own favorite bookstore:

Review of A WISH FOR HOME by Jo Ann Brown

Purchase Links:

I loved this romantic story and hope that you will buy it and read it for yourselves. Many thanks to Harlequin for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

Review of POWER PLAY by Rachel Dylan

This book is published by Bethany House and will be released on June 1, 2021. Pre-orders are available now. Purchase Links:

This edge-of-your-seat suspense/thriller will entertain you for hours and give you insight into the “power players” of the U.S.A. I hope that you will buy it today!